Lynsay Dashnaw watched her Clipper basketball teammates run through a practice on Dec. 11. The senior captain sat out the session because of a pre-season injury. That shouldn't stop her from playing when the official schedule starts on Dec. 17, though. That's a good thing for the Clippers because Dashnaw is the only senior with varsity experience on a team that sports 10 sophomores and freshmen.

The Clippers lost last year's playmakers Cynthia Briere and Makenzi Taylor to graduation. This year two seniors, two juniors, seven sophomores and three freshmen will make up the team. Head coach Mandi Hogan is counting on Dashnaw to guide the girls. "She's been here the longest," Hogan said. "I'm looking for her to show them discipline, commitment and teamwork. I hope the other girls notice her drive and energy and catch on to it."

While there is still some time to tweak the lineup, Hogan expects her starting five to include Dashnaw and sophomore Alyssa Frederick at forward. Frederick was a back-up center last year behind Briere. At 5' 11" she'll be the Clipper's big person in the middle, rebounding and boxing out. "She's been working really hard to compete at this level," Hogan said. "She has a pretty good jump shot and can take it to the basket."

Freshman Ashley Burke will have the responsibility of leading the team at point guard position. The tall task will require discipline and maturity that Hogan is confident she'll develop. Alyssa Espinosa will play at guard in the starting line-up. "She's pretty quick running the plays, has a nice jump shot from the outside, and is comfortable on the floor," Hogan said. "She can help get them where they need to be."

Maria Fredette will round out the starting five. Hogan calls her a wispy player who is a pest, rebounding, boxing out, following up shots, stealing balls and making fast breaks. "She's everywhere," Hogan said. "She's just energized. She has a way about the floor. I like what I'm seeing with her."

"We're a young team so we're working on chemistry, we're learning to trust one another, we're learning to flow together," Hogan said. "That's going to take a few games. But they're working hard, they have each other's backs out there. I really appreciate that."

The Clippers' first home game will be Dec. 19 at 5 p.m. against Grasso Tech.